Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pains, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.  These “panic attacks” usually last several seconds, but may continue for several minutes.

Even though the person who is experiencing the panic attack may not show any outward signs, the feelings they experience are so overwhelming and terrifying that they really believe they are going to die, lose their minds, or be totally humiliated.  In fact, a panic attack is often mistaken for a heart attack or other life-threatening medical conditions; as a result, the diagnosis is frequently not made until extensive and costly medical procedures fail to provide a correct diagnosis or relief.          In a given year 1.7 percent of the United States population, or 24 million Americans, experiences panic disorder. It typically appears in young adulthood, occurring in women twice as often as men.   Heredity, other biological factors, stressful life events, and thinking in a way that exaggerates the way the body reacts to stressful events are all believed to play a role in the onset of panic disorder; however, the exact cause or causes are unknown.      If panic attacks recur, the person develops an intense apprehension of having another attack.  This fear, called anticipatory anxiety, can be present most of the time and seriously interfere with person’s life.  He or she may begin to avoid places where a panic attack has occurred and situations that triggered the attack. Work may suffer because he or she cannot travel or get to work on time.  Relationships may be strained as panic attacks, or the fear of them, begin to rule the  person.      Thankfully, treatment can bring significant relief to about 80 percent of people with panic disorder. Treatment includes medications and a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to view panic attacks differently and demonstrates ways to reduce anxiety.    Most people show significant progress after a few weeks of therapy and although relapses may occur, they can usually be treated effectively, just like the initial episode. In the publication, “Understanding Panic Disorder,” the National Institute of Mental Health suggests the following strategies for coping with panic: Remember that although your feelings and symptoms are very frightening, they are not dangerous or harmful. What you are experiencing is just an exaggeration of your normal bodily reactions to stress.   Do not fight your feelings or try to wish them away.  The more you are willing to face them, the less intense they will become.   Stay in the present. Notice what is really happening to you as opposed to what you think might happen.   Do not add to your panic by thinking about what “might” happen.  If you find yourself asking “What if?” tell yourself “So what!”  Change your “what if” thinking by focusing on and carrying out a simple, manageable task such as counting backwards from 100 by 3s or snapping a rubber band on your wrist. ·          Notice that the intensity does not stay at a very high level for more than a few seconds and when you stop adding frightening thoughts to your fear, it begins to fade When the fear comes, expect and accept it.  Wait and give it time to pass without running away from it.       In addition, the National Institute for Mental Health offers helping tips for the family and friends of a person with an anxiety disorder: 1.      Don’t make assumptions about what the affected person needs; ask them. 2.      Be patient and accepting, but don’t settle for the affected person being permanently disabled. Let the person with the disorder set the pace for recovery. 3.      Don’t contribute to the person’s avoidance:  negotiate with the person with panic disorder to take one step forward when he or she wants to avoid something. 4.      Don’t sacrifice your own life and build resentments. 5.      It is normal for you to be concerned about the person with the panic disorder,  but be careful not to panic when he or she does. 6.      DO say:  “Tell me what you need now.”  “Breathe slow and low.”  “Stay in the present.”  “I know that what you are feeling is painful, but it is not dangerous.” 7.      DO NOT say:  “Calm down!”  “Don’t be anxious.” “You can fight this!”  “What should we do next?”  “Don’t be ridiculous!”